2022 started on the worst possible note for reigning champions Mercedes. Their W13, the revolutionary 2022 challenger, as per the regulations overhaul, was troubled from the very beginning. Consequently, they lost their crown to Red Bull and haven’t gotten it back ever since. But 2022 ended on a more ominous note for the Silver Arrows. The man who, alongside Toto Wolff, built a dynasty in this sport left the Austrian’s side to follow a different path. Mercedes’ motorsport strategy director, James Vowles, left for the Williams’ team principal role at the end of 2022. And this has been a massive blow for the Silver Arrows per F1 expert Federico Albano.
Vowles was the heart and soul of Mercedes’ strategic masterclasses on track. Remember Spain 2021? Well, Vowles was the tactician behind it. In short, whatever strategy calls were being made on the track was done with the express auspices of the British engineer.
Two great strategic battles between Hamilton and Verstappen, but just how similar was Hungary 2019 to this year’s #SpanishGP? 🧐
Which of these two Grand Prix did you enjoy more? 💭
#F1 #Formula1 #F12021 #Autosport pic.twitter.com/MwRQKXclyq— Autosport (@autosport) May 10, 2021
It’s no secret that the pace has been lacking at Mercedes since 2022. Their struggles are apparent as they stand a mountain to climb if they even want to get close to the dominating Red Bull. But for 2024, big changes are abound in terms of car concept. Naturally, missing out on such a key figure within the team in times of such upheaval is hurting the team hugely.
Williams’ gain becomes Toto Wolff’s loss
An F1 team is really a championship outfit when all its working cogs function in sync and at the highest level. But according to Albano, even though the team is looking to push for pace with a conceptually new W15, their pit wall has been massively weakened by Vowles’ departure.
He explained, “We also asked ourselves the question whether the departure of James Vowles to Williams (where he is doing an excellent job confirming his value) has weakened the Brackley wall more than Toto Wolff and his companions expected and the impression is that it is this is actually the case.”
“[They] need to find the right organization also from a tactical-strategic point of view, to return to that level that we admired in the years of domination.”
“James has seen it all – I have no doubt that Williams choosing him is a fantastic move for them” – Toto Wolff
The Mercedes team boss predicts former chief strategist, James Vowles, will shine at @WilliamsRacing #F1 https://t.co/XIprvXHkrs
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 13, 2023
While Mercedes struggle in his absence, Vowles has committed himself to getting Williams back to glory once again.
Can James Vowles revive the sleeping giants, Williams?
If we were to only reflect into the recent past, Williams were in the doldrums back in 2019 and 2020. Their often pointless run of form even led them to the verge of bankruptcy. But under Vowles’ stewardship, they are turning their sinking ship around.
One big piece of this puzzle has been their talisman, Alex Albon. The British-Thai driver has been driving the wheels off of their car, and the team has committed themselves to building a team up to his ambitions and talents.
7th in the constructors’ standings as things stand is a massive win for the team. But with big changes coming to the sport in 2026, can Williams maintain their upward trajectory with James Vowles at the helm?
